A bridge over an industrial area in the Italian city of Genova has partially collapsed during a storm, leaving vehicles crushed in the rubble below.

There have been reports of fatalities after a 650ft section of the Morandi Bridge fell in the north-western city, as well as claims that one person had been pulled alive from the rubble.

Maria Luisa Catalano, a police official in Genoa, said authorities are still involved in rescue efforts and do not yet know the number of victims.

The disaster occurred on a highway that connects Italy to France and other resorts on the eve of Ferragosto, a major Italian holiday, and traffic would have been heavier than usual as many people travelled to beaches or mountains.